Bless Me, Ultima

Director Carl Franklin (ONE FALSE MOVE, DEVIL IN A BLUE DRESS) helmed this adaptation of Rudolfo Anaya's controversial novel about a young boy and the enigmatic healer who opens his eyes to the wonders of the spiritual realm. New Mexico: the early '40s. As the entire world is plunged into war for a second time, Antonio Mrez (Luke Ganalon) grapples with the harsh realities all around him. His life is forever changed by the sudden arrival of Ultima (Miriam Colon), a woman with supernatural healing powers, who has come to his family on a mission of kindness. As Ultima inspires Antonio to question authority and see the world from a new perspective, the young boy witnesses a series of seemingly impossible events that have a profound impact on his concepts of divinity and fate.

"[I]ts fidelity to the spirit of the novel is impressive."Hollywood Reporter

"BLESS ME, ULTIMA is special because its about this boy, in this time and place, where his peers and elders are rushing to label him before he can forge his own identity."A.V. Club

4 stars out of 4 -- "It is patient and in no hurry. It allows a balanced eye for the people in its hero's family who tug him one way and another."Chicago Sun-Times

"A deeply satisfying feat of storytelling....It combines innocence and experience, the darkness and wonder of life, in a way that is not easy to categorize but a rich pleasure to watch."Los Angeles Times